1880s

One of the most widely produced of Tea Leaf ironstone body styles, this square style with fluted corners and flared bodies that flare to a slightly indented base was evidently extremely popular. It is named for the hook-type lustre treatment on the handles and finials. 

Embossed designs on the lower section of holloware pieces resemble fine crewel embroidery. The oval bodies are divided into four somewhat bulbous sections. Handles are attached at the widest portion of the body and appear to be out of proportion with the overall size, a trademark of the late Victorian period.

Chain Link is named for the unusual handle of the ewer that has been found. It is completed by the trefoil embossing at the upper handle terminal. The rim is gracefully sculptured lending a refined quality to the overall body style.

Elegantly embossed near the base and surrounding the finial, this body style was the perfect complement to the table linen of the period.

This body style mirrors the age of the dashing cavalier Charles Stuart II, King of England, in the late 17th century. The bulbous base and upright neck are typical of the pouring vessels of that period. 

Johnson Brothers' elaborate Acanthus features embossed elongated leaves. Even flatware pieces such as ordinary plates and bowls are decorated with triangular shaped leaves on the rim border. Holloware pieces such as the ewer and the sugar bowl have deeply ruffled melon ribs. This body style is sometimes confused with Chelsea.

Favorite is a square body style with rounded sides and ribbed lower body sections. Handles and finials resemble twined rope giving these features a barbershop pole effect. It is found with many other types of decoration including transfer patterns and blue overlay - thus the name "Favorite." Registered in 1886.

Unlike his predecessors, Elsmore & Forster, Thomas Elsmore used the standard Tea Leaf motif on his wares. While it is usually found in creamy yellow shades of ironstone, there are known pieces in the traditional white color. The shape is essentially a very bulbous round with high domed lids on the lidded tea set pieces. The oriental flavor of the shape is reminiscent of the ginger-jars of ancient China.

The Greek city of Delphi is our inspiration for this Thomas Elsmore & Son body style. The geometric figures in the finial, squares and circles and a rosette medallion, recall the grandeur of the ancient civilization where Geometry was born. The handles reflect this same design.

This body style is basically plain but the embossing on the finial and handles of the sauce tureen adds a sense of strength to this spartan style.

John Edwards' stylish Camille is indentified by the distinctive "Porcelaine de Terre" mark. Every 4 inches along the base of an ewer there are two pairs of soft fluting that rise four inches. The soft fluting is repeated at the top extending down 1.5 inches. A scrolled 'c' design decorates the handle with a leaf impression at the top handle terminal. There is scalloped embossing almost like lace edging at the throat.

Truly a lovely example of the potter's art.